A letter to a little girl

Dear Maddie,

I was never lucky enough to meet you in person, but I am so thankful I’ve gotten to know you through your mom and dad and so many others online. The pictures and videos of you never fail to make me smile or even laugh aloud. You had a love for life that is unmatched by anyone I have ever come across in all my years. You are missed by so many people; people that never met you, but were still touched by you.

Your mom and dad are extraordinary people…I know they won’t agree, but you and I know the truth, don’t we? They miss you more than words can describe, but have persevered and done amazing things in the past seven months….the amount of money they have raised in your name for other babies and the March of Dimes, the support packs for people with babies in the NICU in your honor; so many things they have accomplished and will continue to do to keep your memory alive forever. Really, all they want is you, and honestly? It sucks that you had to go. I know, you’re doing good things where you are, keeping an eye on them, helping Binky grow strong, welcoming others with that fabulous grin of yours. Oh, that grin…

But you were supposed to turn two years old today; there was supposed to be a big party for you with love and laughter and cream puffs. Instead, around the world (well, the US and Canada at least, maybe further away, I don’t know for sure), people who have or haven’t met you will be wearing purple, crying and having cream puffs while thinking of you and your family.

Happy birthday, Madeline. You are missed and loved. My boys and I will hug your little purple monster and look at pictures of you while you dance and sing with the angels.